As you know, one of the most famous attractions in the United States is the Grand Canyon. However, in terms of such natural formations, there is something to boast about for Kazakhstan. So, in this country is located Charyn Canyon. Photos of this attraction can be found in almost every guidebook in Kazakhstan. Of course, it is inferior in size to the American Grand Canyon, but, nevertheless, it is a truly magnificent natural object, a visit to which will forever remain in memory. So, we offer today to get to know this interesting natural monument.
Description
Charyn Canyon got its name in honor of the Charyn River, flowing along its bottom. It is located almost two hundred kilometers from the capital of Kazakhstan - Almaty, near the border with China. This natural monument is part of the Charyn National Park, established in 2004.
As for the Charyn River, it is one of the largest in the entire Almaty region. So, its length exceeds 400 kilometers. Charyn takes its beginning on the territory of the mountain ridge Ketmen. Within the upper reaches, the river is called Shalkudylsu, on average - Kegen, and only after the Moinak hydroelectric station does Charyn flow directly.
Over the course of thirty million years of its existence, this aquatic artery gradually cut through a gorge in the mountains, which today is known as the Charyn Canyon. Its length is no less than 154 kilometers. This place has a diverse, striking in its splendor relief, consisting of slopes, plumb lines, hills, as well as various columns and arches formed by ancient sedimentary rocks. The height of these objects reaches 150-300 meters, and bizarre forms do not leave anyone indifferent.
Charyn Canyon: Valley of Castles and Ashenvale
Perhaps the most interesting place to visit in the Charyn National Park is the so-called Castle Valley. Its length is about two kilometers. The width of the canyon in this part reaches 20-80 meters. Rocks here are characterized by bizarre forms, some of them resemble huge castles (hence the name - Castle Valley). In general, many tourists call the landscape here alien. Since it is simply impossible to see similar anywhere else on our Earth.
Charyn Canyon has another interesting place to visit. It is called Ashenvale Grove. Relict ash - Sogdian grows on its territory. These trees managed to survive the Ice Age. Interestingly, another such grove is found only in North America.
Charyn Canyon: climate
On the territory of the Charyn National Park, the climate is sharply continental. The average annual temperature here is +5 degrees Celsius. January is considered the coldest month (on average -6 degrees), and the warmest is July (the air warms up to +27 degrees). There is not so much snow in winter: the height of the snow cover is on average 10-20 centimeters. In total, about 150 mm of precipitation falls here per year.
Flora and fauna
Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan is characterized by a variety of landscape. In this regard, he boasts a large number of representatives of the animal and plant world. So, in total, more than one and a half thousand plant species grow here, seventeen of which are included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and are under state protection. Also on the territory of the Charyn National Park there are 62 species of animals, 103 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles.
Thickets of the turbulent Charyn River are covered with thickets of barberry, Chingil, sucker, tamarisk. Here you will see the willows and poplars familiar to us. Of the representatives of the animal world, hares, foxes, Korsaks, weasels, mountain goats, ermines and jerboas are most often found. As for the birds, there are most of them. Here are those that are listed in the Red Book: golden eagle, eagle owl, bearded, kumai, vulture, serpent eater, burial ground, dwarf eagle, shahin and saker. The most common reptiles in the Charyn National Park are agamas, hologlases, gray geckos, muzzles, water snakes, as well as colorful and patterned snakes.
Excursions to the Charyn National Park
So, we offer to find out several options for how to get to the Charyn canyon. Excursions to this unique natural site are perhaps the easiest way. As a rule, such tours are organized for the whole day, because only the road to Charyn takes about four hours. Therefore, tourist buses depart from Almaty early in the morning. Such excursions, as a rule, involve a descent along a footpath to the Valley of Castles. Then you walk for several kilometers along the bottom of the canyon to the Charyn River, admiring the bizarre forms of ancient rocks. Then we get to the riverbank. There is a place to sit on a picnic. You can also dine in a restaurant or yurt. There is also entertainment in the form of crossing the cables through Charyn. Those who wish can also take a dip in the river, however, remember that the water here is very cold and the current is strong, so great care must be taken. Throughout the tour, the guide tells about the history of the formation of the canyon, its interesting places, flora and fauna, etc. Buses leave back at about four in the afternoon. Thus, in Almaty you will return at 8-9 o’clock in the evening. Such an excursion on average costs from 10 to 20 euros per person (the price includes only travel and guide services).
Car trip
Many motorists prefer to come to the Charyn Canyon (photos are presented in the article) by car. However, it should be borne in mind that if you have a "car" at your disposal, then you have to go down to the bottom of the gorge on foot. If you want to drive to the bottom of the canyon by car (and, importantly, then go up), then this can only be done if you are driving a four-wheel drive jeep.